Venezuela's leaders meet as Chavez worsens

Published: March 5, 2013 1:22PM

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Vice President Nicolas Maduro is meeting with other top Venezuelan government ministers, the military high command and all 20 loyalist governors in Caracas following word of President Hugo Chavez's deteriorating health. Among the governors present is Chavez's older brother, Adan.

Maduro is saying on state television that a scientific commission will investigate the possibility Chavez's illness was caused by an enemy attack.

The government announced Monday night that Chavez was in "very delicate" condition after suffering a new, severe respiratory infection.

Chavez anointed Maduro as his preferred successor before flying to Cuba in early December to undergo a fourth round of surgery for an unspecified cancer in his pelvic area.

The constitution calls for snap presidential elections if Chavez is declared incapable of governing, or dies.